Did Draymond Green Just Say That Dillon Brooks Will Make The All-Star Team?

Whenever Draymond Green has picked up a microphone to speak about Dillon Brooks, it’s usually been to deliver vitriol against a longtime rival. It was a surprise, then, to hear Green dish out a compliment to Brooks in a recent episode of his podcast.

Speaking on “The Draymond Green Show,” the four-time NBA champion surprisingly gave the Phoenix Suns forward his flowers. “I think he has a legit chance to be an All-Star if he keeps this up,” Green said of Brooks’ performance this season.

There was no fury or resentment, not even a hint of sarcasm. Quite simply, Green showed appreciation for what Brooks has achieved in his first season with the Suns.

Green, a former Defensive Player of the Year, went on to state that Brooks is one of the toughest enforcers in NBA history. “Dillon Brooks is in the same conversation as me, Marcus Smart, and Dennis Rodman.”

The Warriors star added that, though Brooks only has one All-Defensive Team selection thus far in his career, the Suns forward is nevertheless a “hard-playing guy” who is willing to “mix it up” to get his team the win.

Though Green has raved over Brooks as a kindred spirit on defense, Brooks has also been lighting things up on the offensive end. After putting up just 14.0 points per game in his last season with the Memphis Grizzlies, the Canadian standout is now averaging 22.3 points per outing on 45.9% shooting from the field. The breath of fresh air that Brooks has provided on court and in the locker room is one key factor behind the rise of the Phoenix Suns (13–10) this year.

Fans, though, can’t be blamed if they find Green’s comments disorienting. Through the years, Green and Brooks have exchanged words on and off the court as a mini-rivalry between the Warriors and the Grizzlies percolated in the playoffs.

Still, Green is a student of the game, and he knows a talented two-way player when he sees one. The only thing that could top this display of respect is a reciprocation from Brooks, who is better known for his proficiency in trash talk than his willingness to exchange pleasantries.

Will Brooks give Green his flowers? That’s for fans to find out.